The move, by the new coalition government, will see rape defendants given the same right to anonymity as rape accusers currently do. The current system allows those accused of rape to be named, although those accusing them are given the right to remain nameless. Although the details have yet to be decided, it's likely that the ban on reporting rape defendants names would only be lifted if they were found guilty.

However, women's groups have said that the move might stop women reporting rape. Ruth Hall, of Women Against Rape, said that the decision was an insult and a backlash against the rising number of rape reports. "More attention needs to be paid to the 94 per cent of reported cases that do not end in conviction rather than the few that are false," she said. "If men accused of rape got special rights to anonymity, it would reinforce the misconception that lots of women who report rape are lying. False rape allegations are extremely rare but receive disproportionate publicity."

What do you think? Should rape defendants remain anonymous unless they're found guilty?

Do you think this might make less women come forward and report rapes? Would you report an assault if you knew the person who did it was going to remain anonymous?

What do you think should be done so that more women come forward and report sexual assaults?

Have your say on rape defendants remaining nameless in the comments box below

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